I'm overwhelmed by the needs of the world; am I too sensitive?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Being sensitive to the needs of others because of the fallenness of this world (Genesis 3:16-19) is not something we need to fix but rather something we should keep in check with God’s Word. Caring for others’ needs is a trait of those who have God’s love abiding in them (1 John 3:17), and showing compassion to the needy is emulating Christ-like character (Matthew 9:36, 14:14). Even so, some Christians go too far in trying to step into a Savior role only Jesus can fill. We must cast our anxieties about others onto Jesus (1 Peter 5:7) and find our rest in Him (Matthew 11:28-30) rather than burning ourselves out by trying to “save” everyone. In that same light, while we should certainly help our brothers and sisters in Christ through their hardships (Galatians 6:2) and advocate for others (Isaiah 1:17; 61:8), God is the ultimate Deliverer of justice, and we should think that we can right every wrong. Ultimately, we should apply Galatians 6:9-10 to our lives: "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• We should care about the needs of the world because it shows we are aware of the effects of the fall around us (Genesis 3:16-19).
• Proverbs 17:15 says, “He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the Lord.” As God’s image-bearers (Genesis 1:27), we should reflect His love of justice and goodness. But we shouldn’t think that we can correct every wrongdoing as only God can do that (Proverbs 20:22).
• As we do what we can to seek justice and help others, we can find peace in knowing that God is the One who will bring ultimate judgment to wrongdoers and justice to the world (Isaiah 1:17; 61:8).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• When we see others’ struggles, we should be like Jesus—moved with compassion that compels us to action (Matthew 9:36; 14:14).
• But if we give in to fear or the feeling of false responsibility, we are essentially trying to take away control from God. We are to come to Jesus with our burdens instead of trying to bear the load of our worries by ourselves (Matthew 11:28-30).
• Paul instructs us to "bear one another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2), and this starts with being sensitive to their needs.
• We should do what we can to tangibly express God's love and His justice to our hurting world (Galatians 6:9-10).
• If feeling the weight of the world’s needs are heavy upon us, we are to cast our anxieties on Jesus (1 Peter 5:7).
• John tells us, "But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?" (1 John 3:17). We should extend generosity to those in need.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Being sensitive to and caring about the needs of the world is different from being overwhelmed by them. Healthy sensitivity to the needs of the world leads to Christ-like, compassionate action that helps alleviate others’ struggles. This becomes unhealthy when our anxiety about the world’s needs becomes overwhelming. This is a sign that we have slipped from compassion into control, believing that fixing and bearing the weight of the world's misery lies primarily on our shoulders. Only God can bear the full weight of the world's needs.

As Christians, we need to stay sensitive while maintaining healthy emotional boundaries. Sadness can turn into hopelessness, making us become controlling or even apathetic in our response to pain. We must also remember that the best gift is sharing the truth of the gospel; comfort in this world is ultimately meaningless apart from Christ. Let us love in truth and in action, being ambassadors for Christ in the way we live and interact with a hurting world. Rather than be overwhelmed by the needs of our world, let us take them to God in prayer, the One who is big enough to hold all the needs of the world. May we praise Him for His care and respond to His direction.

UNDERSTAND

• Caring about the world’s needs demonstrates a Christ-like attitude.
• Overwhelming concern about the world’s needs could indicate that we think we are responsible or in control of the world, but God alone is in control.
• The best way Christians can show care for the world is through sharing the Gospel.

REFLECT

• What are some ways you address the needs you see in the world?
• If you ever feel stressed about the world’s problems, how do you deal with those feelings?
• How do you ensure that you rely on God rather than yourself when the needs of the world become overwhelming?

ENGAGE

• What are some ways that we can model the right attitude toward worldly needs?
• What are some examples of how believers can “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2)?
• How can the history of the early church and apostles help today’s believers have the right attitude toward worldly concerns?